Being a Ham radio operator, I often get to play with all sorts of radio equipment. I recently purchased a Yaesu VR-500 reciever. For $249, I don't think I could have done much better. It recieves everything from 500kHz - 1300mHz (less the cellular band) and it can recieve just about any mode of transmission (AM, FM, WFM, USB, LSB, CW). At only slightly bigger than a pack of cigarettes, it's the perfect balance between size/weight and features. From a very technical standpoint, there are better radios out there if you are a serious shortwave listener, but none this compact and useful. <br>I have used this while camping, and since it can pick up all of the 'Family Band' radios, it can let me know if there are other campers in the area. It's nice to know who's roaming the woods with you.<br>For about half as much money, you can get an Icom IC-R2 wich has the same reception frequencies, but only AM and FM modes. <br>I had looked into the Sony and Grundig radios, but I found that they didn't compare to the Yaesu. Things such as 1091 memories and all mode reception are worth the price in my eyes. Then again, I suppose that I am slightly more than an average user of these kinds of things. <br>If you are looking for something simply to pick up weather stations and AM broadcast stations, then go as cheap as you can. But, if you are looking to actually have a radio that you could use in an emergency situation (Ham radio operators have a nack for getting involved in those kinds of times) then I suggest you get something that will let you listen in on EVERYTHING. Ham radio bands are regularly used for emergency replacement of telephone services and the like. <br>Hope this helps, just my $.02 worth.<br><br>-Hawk